‘Sarah’s Key’, by Tatiana de Rosnay

Sarah’s Key unlocks a powerful story that is so well written it is hard to put down. This book is one of those gems that will be read, remembered, and recommended to many. So many people in the story were unaware of the events in Paris on July 16, 1942, and I confess that I was also unaware.

The Velodrome d’Hiver roundup (Vel d’Hiv) is a historical reality in France that is hard to bear but should never be forgotten. “Nobody remembers. Why should they? Those were the darkest days of our country.” But de Rosnay has given us a story that is compelling, hopeful, and healing.

The narrative switches between Sarah’s voice during the time of the Holocaust and Julia’s voice in the present day, until they finally merge and secrets are revealed.

Here is a short video of the author speaking about the book, there are no spoilers in it.